Quick tip about local accounts: When you’re setting up Windows 11 on the first boot, it doesn’t give you a choice to sign in with a local account. You may think you have to use a Microsoft account, but it’s easy to bypass. Just type ‘a’ in both the username and password fields. It will say it failed to sign in and let you use a local account.
for the tip no. 3 do NOT just go and disable everything in the startup tab, especially if you don't know what you're doing. Some of the programs, especially on laptops are audio drivers, touchpad drivers and maybe other more important procesess. Turning them off may cause your system breaking and with that major confusion as to what is causing the issues. Read online what each individual procesess does and turn off accordingly.
If you have the patience, which I don't : ), there's the oneatatime approach. Take the checkmark away from 1 box. See what breaks or not. If not, run like that for a day or so. Then do another. Repeat process. All of this is for patient responsible tweakers, though I've yet to meet any.
Not sure where you got your information, but it is wrong. Disabling every single item in startup will NOT cause an issue with Windows or your license in any way. Please cite your source so I can call them out
Thank you for highlighting my biggest pet peeve - hidden file extensions. You nailed it when you said it was also your biggest pet peeve. I really can't believe Microsoft still has this setting as a default as, like you said, could easily trick a user into clicking what they think is a document but is actually an executable program. I knew about LTT's hack, but I did not know the reason was because of hidden file extensions.
@@AskYourComputerGuy What's more curious is that when they're not shown a file named open_me.jpg turns up and people think it is a jpg and so think it's ok to click on but don't stop to think why this file has an extension showing when all their other files don't have their extensions showing! It doesn't seem to occur to them that it's actually called open_me.jpg.exe and is a program. Stupid question: seeing as the [last] dot is used to separate the file name from its type, and thus how Windwos should handle it, why, oh why, did Microsoft allow a dot in a filename, especially if they're going to hide the bit after the last dot which could lead to a filename that looks like a type it isn't? (Colons aren't allowed to provide for backward compatibility with device names.)
@@Al-ny8dr Never change extensions you're not sure about. That's the same as never run programs you're not sure about. And that's the problem: the easily changed by user filename extension is used to tell the OS what to do with the contents of a file. Basic users can easily change them so hide them so they don't accidentally change them. But it also means that basic users are also easily tricked into running a malware program as it looks like something it isn't - they see picture.jpg and think it is a picture; it doesn't occur to them that the extension shouldn't be visible and that it could be a program in itself. It is a trade off between stopping people accidentally breaking their computer and security against people "accidentally" installing malware. (I know which of the two is less undesired, and it's not the Microsoft default.) To alleviate this Microsoft could have: 1) not allowed the extension separater character of a dot (.) in a filename more than once - the only time it would be permirted is to separate the extension (you can't use colons so this would be a simple thing to implement); 2) made the extension read only unless a config option was set (the hide known extensions check box would become allow editing extensions check box, and extensions would always be shown); 3) make the system system folder read only to non administrators so that they can't be changed by a [basic] user (encourage users to be non administrators and program installation would require privilege escalation); 4) implement an execute bit in NTFS which cannot be set by a file being downloaded - it would have to be set either by the user running a utility, or an install program the used has to initiate (for executable a msgbox would pop up warning of the dangers of running downloaded programs and asking if they really want to run the program). None of these options (except possibly option 3) would make the experience less for a basic user (in option 4 a downloaded real JPG would be given to a picture viewer to show and, as itself is not run, would display as intended when clicked).
With the startup, I have noticed that Win10 (and Win 11) have a much shorter list, as if most of these are hidden. Win7 had a very substantial list where you could go and surgically adjust the whole process.
I would always recommend keeping UAC turned on no matter how knowledgeable and experienced you might be. It isn't about checking what you are actively doing, it's about stopping things you don't know about happening in the background. It is extra security for one button press and could save a lot of heartache.
That's good advice. Especially for inexperienced users for sure. Thankfully it has never been a problem for me, but maybe I'm just lucky and pay attention to everything that is happening on my PC and have other safeguards in place 💪
@kc5402 in task manager, go to startup and focus on items that don't need to be running every time the machine boots. I've got a video on the drawing board for "how to know which background processes are safe" 👍
I’m a it technician with way more years of experience than I’d like to admit.. using UAC is a must. Not only will it stop rogue executables but mistakes too. I highly recommend this keep ON whether experienced or not.
Back in DOS days you always saw file extensions, so I've always turned that on in Windows. Also, showing the full path in the title bar (now the tabs). This avoids having two windows open with apparently the same name but are actually in different locations.
All my systems, show hidden files, show file extensions, show size. So a friend gives me their computer because it's running like mud. 500gb drive 4gb Ram. Heat issue? NOPE! One file extension was .flo I still cant find out what created it but I suspected it was a fake created by a hacker. 100gb. The computer had been set to run TeamViewer on start. NOW WE'RE TALKING! His biggest complaint was scanning pictures and ripping DVD or CD took hours. Cut to the chase, all ripping parameters were set to Max. He had a scan of a 3x5 photo that was 12gb, most were. He had movie rips that were 75gb each. Running slow? Might be the fact there is 128mb of free space left! I took away his computer ownership rights until he learns how to use one 😈
@@crazy4dariverDamn, 500GB drive and 4GB RAM in 2023 would be rough. 1TB drives, even basic SSDs are commodity priced these days and a 16GB RAM pair should be $40-60.
I long ago gave up trying to figure out the reasoning behind some of the MS Windows settings. They always seemed configured to make the life of the user or support person more difficult. I see some things never change.
Purchased a new HP computer last month 5-24, with WINDOWS 11, at 77 years of age I am not computer savy I would like to thank you for your step by step videos on setting up a LOCAL ACCOUNT and how to make my new computer secure too. Your explanation between setting up a local account or a Microsoft Account was excellent. This is my computer not Microsoft’s computer 💻 I want to eliminate big corporations from spying and tracking me. Thank you once again for your informative videos that are educating thousands of people like myself. 😊
If you want to be really safe, unplug the internet... That means go into settings and where it says TURN WIFI ON AUTOMATICALLY, uncheck that box. When you want to connect to the internet, go to settings and turn Wi-Fi ON... If you're using an ethernet adapter, just unplug it... If it isn't connected, the chances are very slim that someone's going to sneak into your computer... Notice that I didn't say impossible... Also be careful of the websites you visit, they can plant malware that will connect you to the internet without your permission...
@@thestoiclonerI did a Google search for the term "what is NSUWP network" and it provided some interesting answers. It seems that it is possibly a public network, as many people are having the same problem. I didn't read the articles in detail but you might check to see if your PC has remote access or remote connections turned on... This is never a good idea so if it is turned on please turn it off. You might consider running the same search and reading the articles to see if those people have anything in common with your problem. Hope you find a solution quickly! You might consider using one of the deep cleaning antivirus programs because this is possibly a RAT - Remote Access Trojan. Popular opinion suggest Malwarebytes Trojan remover and Bitdefender.
@@brodriguez11000 Yeah, backups tend to go great, so I have read on various forums where people would sing the praises of backing up to "the cloud". But, nowhere did I see an anecdote about a successful restore. They weren't to be found. It was all about backing up... that seemed to represent enough security for people. They never thought to test their backups, be they local or online. It was strange to behold.
Great tips, even for computer experts. Its a good checklist to make sure you didn't forget something. Microsoft keeps moving the setting around so this helped me find settings that were not obvious. Why does Microsoft disable hibernation by default now? I set my laptop to hibernate when I close the lid. If I travel and don't open my laptop for a few days I don't want the battery to be completely dead when I try to use it because it drained in sleep mode instead of hibernating and turning off. So annoying. With SSDs, resuming from hibernate doesn't take long.
For all the system admins out there, I recommend setting the option to show file extensions in Group Policy so that they are automatically set to show on all your client computers.
Consider me subscribed! You've just saved my skin here; I've been using Windows since the 1990's, and I noticed some things in the 2000's that were established standards like system restore quietly exited out. I had to throw out entire systems in the past 10+ years, since Windows 7, and looks like I won't have to trash anymore PC's in a while thanks to your channel; keep it up!!
This is somewhat related. Sorry for all the words. I threw out a perfectly good computer when I got one of those "lap crushers" that act as desktop replacements. To this day, it bothers me. There were 2 functioning hard drives. Both were securely wiped. At least I did that part right. But there was no need for me to chuck a comp and a crt monitor as well. Everything was working. It was just getting on in years. But I had plenty of room in a closet to store the machine. But no, I was determined to be rid of it, and for what reason, I don't remember. And now, I just feel it was a terrible mistake. That was the thanks I gave it, for doing stuff for me for years. Guilt is a real hanger-on sometimes. :(
I know.. it's a metaphor. But I wanted to wonder what your skin had to do with OS settings. If the former needs repair or enhancement, you take it to a dermatologist. The latter, to someone like @AskYourComputerGuy (if you lack the knowledge to do it yourself, which knowledge you can obtain by watching videos such as this one). Still, though, I wouldn't try to access any settings menu or decryption password if I felt I were about to lose my skin, AKA my birthday suit.
Very useful info for most people. I think it would be useful to stress that you should not mess about with UAC at all! Although when set to default high priority, it causes you to have to jump through a lot of hoops to get things done, it is designed to protect you from hackers and it does a pretty good job of it. I am an experienced software engineer with many years of working on Windows and Linux, and I keep my UAC level just one below the top setting. But well done for this useful video.
I too am a software engineer, but old skool lol, I used to work on the old 6502 CPU's, programming in assembly, then later delved into Linux (Redhat), then started messing around with Windows 1.0, and built up from there, and I too agree, that the UAC should NOT be messed with, I too have mine set to next notch down from the top, so that if a popup appears asking if blah, blah blah wants to run, and I don't recognize it, then I click on 'No', but if the UAC is set (as the guy says in the video) to the lowest setting, then ANY program will be allowed to run without asking, and that can mean malware, spyware and even viruses.
For the record, that's where I said I leave mine. But I also say it should be based on one's own needs and comfort level. I didn't suggest everyone disable theirs. For some people, high UAC is a,must. Just not me.
Totally up to you@@bassdeff8819 You can always have the joy of re-installing Windows when your unprotected computer gets screwed by a virus. And of course you'll have all your backed up data to restore (no doubt you do backups) as well as all your little games and stuff. Good luck mate.
That was so helpful. I didn't know protection was disabled and the hidden files and all that. I also, FINALLY, found how to get the thumbnails for my pics. It never used to be so difficult! Thanks so much.
Wow, what a great video. I have just returned to the Windows ecosystem after years of being solely on MacOS. I feel so much better using windows now knowing that content like this is on YT to learn from and help make the experience a pleasant one. Thanks for your content.
I always change the setting for file extensions, I never understood the reason Microsoft disabled file extensions, it made no sense to me and made it harder to do remote desktop support over the phone.
I'm with Microsoft here... when the file extension is shown, and you decide to rename that file, potentially you may wipe out the file extension, making very difficult to identify the file type, and what to open with.
@@resuelgooga5565, weak argument. First, if the user doesn't have the minimal ideia they are doing, don't touch a computer. Second, when the file is subject to a rename, Windows 8 to 10 do not select the extension, only what's before the last period (can't remember if Win7 does the same). Third, even if they mistakenly erase the extension while typing or selecting text, they can press Esc to cancel the operation and get the current name back. Fourth, if the user wants the extensions to be shown, he/she made a conscious choice. No justification to disable the setting when the user knowingly enabled it! It is abusive behaviour by M$.
Untrue. Simply Untrue. Even if you left the file with no extension, you can easily rename it back to its original and it will open fine. If you're with Microsoft, that comment explains a lot.
While its good, ensure you have a backup. I flipped too many switches, and lost my camera in Teams. No matter how many flips I switched back, or switches I de-flipped, it just never worked again.
@@chrisjlocke Re-flip all switches for camera and make sure camera in enabled in the quick settings menu. After this check hardware manager to make sure you driver is okay for the webcam. Never had issues with it.
In addition to creating system restore points, periodically creating full system images with an appropriate 3rd party tool (I'll refrain from advertising any, but free ones can do the job just fine) can also be a good idea, in case of a hard drive / SSD failure. It's an advanced approach to backing your computer up, but also a great payoff if the main storage unit decides to kick the bucket. Make sure to store created images on an external drive. 🙂
@@AskYourComputerGuy Nowadays with fast SSDs etc. I often find as long as you have the user data backed up in a lot of cases it's just better to install Windows from fresh, slap Office back, run through Ninite and then the user data. I've had many "user images backups" handed to me but in a lot of cases they are old or just plain don't work or have to go through umpteen hoops to get back on. Of course every now and then you get the odd user with 78 different specialist softwares installed that for some reason they "don't know where the license key is" for some reason but I state on my website, if you aint got the license then that aint my problem!
Agreed, sometimes it's easier. Only exception is when there is a proprietary program installed that they don't have the installation or key for anymore. That's when it gets a bit tricky
If I doing this FBI no put me in jail? ];-D... . Microsoft with HP and Brother put software Blotware to made high your procesor warm (HP use program software Wolf Security, total shit software who invigilation)... . Corporations just lile Apple destroy you hardware because want to buy new...(Apple made this marketing devil move when slowly OS to older Iphones...).
Nice video @2:50 I would suggest that a password manager to store all your bookmarks and passwords & will work regardless of the browser you want to use. @3:50 UAC is necessary if you want to use the Microsoft Store so do not disable it, just turn it to the lowest setting. and lastly make sure you do a *DISM /online /Cleanup-image /RestoreHealth* from a elevated command prompt so that your *sfc /scannow* command works properly
I have UAC set to never notify or do anything, and the Win store works fine for me. Has for years on Win10. Maybe 11 is different. Video needs to make it clearer on every section that it applies for Win11, as a lot of these options work on 10 as well just are labeled slightly differently. There's nothing in the title showing it and if people skip to a section they want to change, it doesn't immediately show that Win11 screen.
I appreciate that. When the settings were different for W10, I included that in the "how to do this" portion for each section. But thank you for your feedback and I will keep this in mind for future videos ;)
Like any app /program no matter their use they have and ALWAYS will store/ share /sell you data’ No “password” program is safe or smart imo’ If u store your passwords it’s a matter of time before any program leaks or is hacked’ Maybe I’m paranoid but in todays digital world everything is collecting your data’ For passwords I’ll use the old pen and paper method any day over storing them in any data base!
What is very important and what nobody talks about is that you should _NEVER_ store your data files on the same drive as Windows itself! If you've only one disk, the disk should be partitioned into two disk, i.e. C and D. If Windows is on disk C (most computers), data should be stored at disk D. If Windows has to be reinstalled from scratch, no data is lost even if disk C is reformatted. This should be the default option when Windows is installed on the computer!
I love how Microsoft seems to go out of their way to hide settings that used to be neatly organized into easy to find locations once upon a time. Thankfully, I seem to have performed all of these actions except for the local login. Fixed now.
How many fell for allowing them to collect 'Inking' or 'Writing' as they later renamed it. Saying do you agree to having a Keylogger would not go down well.
Yeah. I am also baffled why System restore is disabled right out of the box. Sometimes it gets disabled in some point by itself automatically. I believe this has to do with Ms has a problem with Windows keeping settings and probably malware along inside the restore point, that they cannot remove those unless it is disabled. This was a point of attack since Windows 7 days.
I've never used system restore in my life except one time for testing and it made windows laggy af. I also would've reinstalled windows several times while it was restoring... Always turn that useless feature off and backup your data yourself.
@@gdgd5194 I see I'm not alone 🙂I find this idea (system restore) disgusting, people don't realize this feature needs free disk space to be completed, it resizes Your partition(s) averytime it makes another restore point (and steals disk space in the process)....
@@alf8718 I think every pc user with decent experience does same. Turning off at least partially the damn windows defender is also a priority :D I once lost a rare dll thanks to that bs. It just randomly decides to delete file permanently if it finds it "suspicious"
@@AskYourComputerGuy Quick important note: Making a local profile from my Microsoft account STILL ALLOWED me to use my PIN from that account on the local one... that I did not expect. Should I worry about this?
Consider doing #1 - creating a restore point - FIRST, before making all these changes, particularly if you are going to disable startup items and you're not sure what you are doing.
Note: I'd recommend users to check Startup Apps in Windows 10/11 because even if you disable it in the Task Manager Startup tab it can still show in Startup Apps.
Yep...i have a never ending battle going with some of them...don't use em, Don't Want em so i keep disabling cos of course they can't be removed without paralyzing something vital...& every darn sneaky 'upgrade' they re-enable...sometimes they wake up just with a new boot up..put a link to startup on my taskbar & i keep task manager open just Minimized cos..of those. Have to cos when i'm on a big job some of them, if they run all at the same time, can freeze everything up causing a cold boot & a mountain of lost work.
@@NuLiForm I've found that the free Autorun Organizer (ChemTable software) does a great job of showing me exactly what loads at startup, from where, and how much impact it has on the startup. Certain things have high impact but are important to me so I don't disable them. If there's something I don't want, I disable it and Autorun Organizer keeps it disabled, as well as notifying me of new items that are added (at the time of addition, if I leave the background process enabled, or the next time I run the program, if I don't (my preference)). Boot time can be measured and compared when certain things are enabled at boot and others aren't, and it suggests a delay before loading certain programs that aren't usually needed ASAP. If you want, it scans all items with virustotal automatically whenever you run the AO, and its large user base allows it to tell you, if you want, how many other users of that program disable it and how many delay it. (You don't have to allow any of your own info to be sent) If you're a NuLiForm as in a "new lifeform" without advanced cognitive function, you might need someone to explain anything I wrote that you don't understand. I suspect you'll have no problem whatsoever, though. 👍😂
It's amazing how long it had been since I used restore points. To my surprise, I had none on this two-year old system laptop. That's something I used to do back in the desktop PC days. Thanks for reminding me about it.
Good list. Especially #1. Why that is not setup by default is a mystery. Would love to hear the conversation in the board room that resulted in that decision.
Already use a local account - on a side note, using a Microsoft login was excellent when I was in college, heavily making use of the office suite, Microsoft logins were quite nice - they absolutely have a use. Already have windows set up to let me do the rebooting. Already have my webbrowser synced. Already have fast startup disabled. Don't turn off uac. If you don't know why you should never turn it off, then you definitely shouldn't turn it off. All of these privacy settings were available when setting up your profile on firstboot. My startup is pretty clean. I already have file extensions displayed. I also show hidden files and folders. Setting up system restore should be the first thing you do after configuring your computer, that way you have an ideal point to return to. Unless you like resetting your operating system and starting anew. That's what I do.
@bobnolin9155 it is. Look under "family and other users". This might help: support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/add-or-remove-accounts-on-your-pc-104dc19f-6430-4b49-6a2b-e4dbd1dcdf32#:~:text=Add%20people%20to%20a%20home%20PC,-The%20best%20way&text=10%20Professional%20editions%3A-,Select%20Start%20%3E%20Settings%20%3E%20Accounts%20%3E%20Family%20%26%20other%20users.,information%20and%20follow%20the%20prompts.
As an old Windows 95/98/2000/xp/vista/7/8/10/11 tweaker these are good starting tips for anyone not in the know. A lot of my old tweak settings died long ago with the older Windows versions but these are solid for a beginner!
I have used more OSes than you have. I used v1, 1.x, 2, 2.x, 3, 3.1, 3.11, "Chicago" beta from 1994, 95, 95SR2, 98, 98SE, W2K, WinXP, "Longhorn" beta, Vista, Vista64, 7, 10, 11 -------- ++++ various versions of DOS and Nix. But I was too afraid to try WinME.
Cheers for the video, really useful. But one thing I do with all my machines goes one step further than the Windows restore point backup Take clone images of your system drive using ghosting software, so the entire process is outside of Windows running at all
Agreed, but these steps are for novice users. That's my audience. Cloning, using a different OS, all of that is intermediate level stuff. But you're not wrong ;)
@@brodriguez11000 No no, Why would You run the system you use on a virtual machine? This way You deplete Your system resources (RAM, CPU& GPU power...) and everything running in windows (or any other OS for that matter) under VM runs slower. VMs are good for testing purposes and probably for some exotic OSs that can't use the PC hardware properly (android, Playstation, apple....) For the system(s) You're planning to use, sure, chech them in VM first but when You decide to actually use them create a multi-boot system instead and use all Your Hardware resources.
Totally agree with all of these. I often use a restore point in case the 'forced' updates ruin the system and always log in with a local account..although Microsoft seem determined to prevent you doing this. And the unnecessary hidden files and extension setting..why do they do that?
Nice list! 👍 I would add #0: Change your account type to regular user. Create a separate local administrator account. Use its credentials only when you get a popup window for elevated rights request.
Absolutely. It is the difference between getting a popup saying "would you like X to do Y" that is one click away from disaster and a popup the will not let you proceed until you enter an admin password. The latter requires that you pause to consider what your are really doing.
I can't believe changing back to local account was so easy! I made the mistake of tying my account to windows because of the "reuse on other devices" promise from a while back, and have regretted since. When I went to look up how to turn my account back to local the tutorials implied a lot of messy steps to change it. You're a hero! I'm so glad it was easy after all.
I've pretty much always done number 2. I Hate not being able to see what type of files I'm looking at,even if they do have icons for whatever program opens them.
And I'd want to know where they are in the tree hierarchy. So file x is in My Documents. What is the path of that folder exactly, is what I want to know. Sometimes I feel like I'm in a matrix and the true placement of files is being hidden from me for my own good and happiness, as defined by MS.
The "switch to a local account" is a big deal for me, as now I no longer have to enter a password. It's my personal home computer and I don't want a password, yet Windows 11 forces you to have one (or a PIN).
Turning off UAC even for advanced users is terrible advice. With how easy it is to infect any computer today having at least a small item to help remind you is a good thing. I suppose you'd buy a high end sports car that is proven by race drivers that the onboard traction control gives them faster lap times than on their own, that you'd turn it off and keep it off. Not saying you're going to get infected of have issues but it's a very small item reminder, perhaps save you in those times you're up late nodding off and click something you didn't mean to.
That's why I said it needs to be at the user's comfort level. I've had UAC off as long as I can remember...but I'm also not going to open anything I don't 100% trust, plus I have multiple layers of AV and malware security on top of that. But Grandma out in Phoenix who doesn't know a virus from a turnip needs hers to be 100%. Just depends on your level of comfort when it comes to security and your own user behavior
@@AskYourComputerGuy Agreed on some level. But to be fair aside from a drive by like myself the majority of "your" user base seems to be newer users and thus not well served by turning it off or changing it's settings. Those that have been using computers for a while and don't so much need technicians like us aren't taking our advice one way or the other. Just my two cents and sorry to be negative on your channel. I should have posted in a bit more positive manner.
True that! Administrator rights plus UAC down means: you will not even get a note that something wrong is going on. This combo means: "I don't care. Everything can run with admin rights on this machine and I don't even need to be notified about it."
Defiantly a good video and must watch for the non technical user. An the using Microsoft account login just compromises all your Microsoft account, a malicious person gets your password all your Microsoft products are compromised. I personally do not show my file extensions because I copy and rename files and if you forget to put the file extension you can mess things up but I do this fast so that's why I do not have them showing. great video look forward to seeing more as systems change.
One a lot of people don't mention is to setup a true local Admin account and then setup your local account as a standard User account. That way your day to day usage is protected a little more but also it can pay off on occasion to have more then one account on a machine if the main account gets corrupted. You can at least get back on your machine one way or another and fix the busted account.
Funny, I always do that for my local clients out of habit, but failed to mention it in the video. Probably "out of habit". Thx for your comment, you're absolutely right.
Ok now I'm really confused. I am signed on as the Administrator. Other than the restricted access, what's the point of a local account? Am I connected to Microsoft? Really, I don't see the problem in performance.
@bobnolin9155 I am releasing a video soon that will make you RUN from using a Microsoft account. There is no difference as long as everything is working...but when it stops working (as shown in the video), you'll be thankful you switched. Customer lost everything (and I mean EVERYTHING) because they used a Microsoft account. You'll see, trust me you'll want to watch it 👍💪
@@AskYourComputerGuyCool. Actually I found that if I click on the Windows icon and then click on my account icon, it takes me to the screen where you can switch to a local account. It worked! Thanks! Also, the Set Restore point was a huge tip.
great list and I think there is one I would add and that is in the advanced setting for the system. Change the virtual memory from automatic to a specific setting using the recommended minimum as the minimum and then I usually double the memory for the maximum. This will keep your hard drive lasting much longer and from being slowed down by the system sitting at 100% on the HD slowing the system to a crawl.
This is Michael. I've done this for decades , however this is more applicable if you have a HARD drive, and not an SSD or nvme. 2, which systems also usually have a lot more memory and get an automatic larger allocation
I've always thought this bit of functionality is not keeping up to date with modern specs. I also suspect a lot of apps like MS Office manage it themselves anyway
Yes!...i did this for the first machine i ever built, an Acer running Win 3.1, diode by diode, solder & circuit, chip by slot..by the time i had it's potential upgrades completely maxed out it was already 10 yrs old...& after increasing the VM value, i got another 10 out of it before it developed dementia. Sentimental Treasure, i just run cool screensavers on it now..& once it's heart of gold beats it's last..i will still find a decorative use for it & display it on the shelf.
I was gonna complain if "turn on file extensions" wasn't on the list! Well good job it was. It's crazy to me that such an unhelpful-and indeed dangerous-feature is enabled by default, and after all this time (think it's been like that since XP or something). That'd be #1 if I were making this list, but Windows Restore is great too. One the the few undeniably helpful things Windows can do for you (great failsafe when something goes wrong) and they turn that off?? Anyway, very good list of tips.
@manauser362 No, silly, they don't turn off the visibility of file extensions. The ability to see known file extensions is disabled by default and you can easily toggle their visibility.
To me a Microsoft account has brought many benefits over local accounts, and it has not "forced" anything on me that I couldn't easily get rid of. A local account is also super easy to crack in comparison to a MS account login (of Win 11 I'm not sure although I've been running the Insider builds since their early days just like I did with 10 but in everything before 11, it could be easily done in a couple of minutes with a boot disk). MS account also makes setting sync possible, which eliminates the need to set that file extension etc. settings again on every system. And for those who use MS services it can simplify logging in and I also appreciate the fact that Office business accounts also work as Windows logins (as someone who manages one small business). These also offer things like remote wiping and BitLocker key backups which can be very beneficial. MS account is also required for Windows Hello features like multiple login options including different hardware options (maybe these work without an account these days, I have not tested for a while, but they didn't in the past). Windows Hello can be used by other things too than just MS things. Like different password vaults, including multiple browsers. Microsoft Store also requires an account for some things. Window's parental control features are very good and offer very broad control over different accounts and even remote control over certain aspects of kids computers, and Xbox consoles, yet there are many users who are completely oblivious to these while they complain that their kids do this and that. Quite simple to setup and afterwards easy to manage via your MS account with each family member having their own accounts. But ok, let's just tell everyone that the account is wortless and then they complain when systems that require them don't work. Browser syncing is a fine feature although I prefer separate vaults for my ID's. Not for any security reason (although they can offer far more control over those aspects too) but also because of their flexibility (they are not tied to a single browser. Btw, for Edge sync, a MS account is required and setting one up with Windows automates the process. Not all but many of the privacy settings are set during the OOBE phase (when a new system is set up) but because people are in a constant hurry and often lack the capacity to stop and concentrate on pretty much anything these days, they don't bother to really read the information and just ram them next and skip buttons. Disabling UAC notifications at least used to be a problem and would prevent some features from working (Microsoft Store was one of them if I remeber correctly) although that might have changed also. I don't mind the default setting and clicking OK is not that difficult, even for soneone who installs and uninstalls stuff constantly. But obviously a benefit if it doesn't cause problems anymore. All in all, ok tips though some of them are very subjective and require more explanation as to why they should be done. Like MS accounts for example which can offer many benefits for many users, yet here it is basically said that they are useless.
I'm sorry, why are you telling us not to use microsoft accounts but then proceed to use one of the worst AV solutions and bloatware out there? Avast is HORRIBLE
@@Jaybird-be1ttdoesn’t find malware. I’ve got it on my laptop and it’s full of malware. Waste your money but don’t fool yourself into thinking it’s doing anything other than hogging up your system resources.
There are two different Avast programs... The Avast AVG is sad... The AVAST with the odd orange logo is the better choice. Webroot has been a good choice since 2010... It doesn't suck up your resources and allows you to turn off program access if necessary. The weblogs are fairly decent, too.
Thank you for these good guides that I have been looking for for a long time. Just as you indicate where changes are to be made that is understandable for an ordinary user!!! I am now subscribing to your channel.
One thing to note... if you're using WoL, and I know this is pretty remote for most people, disabling fast startup on SOME machines will prevent WoL from working. If you feel like you've done everything thing you can and you still can't get WoL to work, try re-enabling fast startup.
Don't worry. I, too, didn't know what it stood for, but I looked it up. It wasn't hard. You meant "wake-on-LAN". Google up'd my iq by a few percentiles. 🙂
@@kc5402 If you use it, you probably know. It's Wake On LAN, which wakes the sleeping computer when it receives a special signal from elsewhere on the network. At times like those, it's good to have everything from RAM stored on the disk (i.e. in hibernation) for a speedy wakeup into a predefined state (the state it was in when it went to sleep).
Great tips, Scott. I especially appreciated the #1 Tip - Enable/Create Restore Point. Some of the other points I had covered, but it is good to do a thorough review. I've also switch to a local user account. Thanks again.
@@AskYourComputerGuy It's a bit sad that so many people don't realize what's happening when their computer boots. People like you, who make videos to explain those things, are forces for good in the world!
A real security wake-up call. Very timely and helpful. A few of the tips had already been put in place by the guy who upgraded my motherboard, CPU, hard drive, and RAM 4 years ago but not all. The most important one for me is actually the one at number 10 - always logging in with a local account.
Thank you. I have restore points and know about them, but I certainly appreciate the reminder, because it is so easy to go along every day and not think about it. All good wishes.
This is invaluable for old people, and the world is ageing rapidly. That said, I would suggest you ask someone 85 or so if they can keep up with your delivery pace. and arrow movements. I am not that old , but I am disabled and lots of rewinds still did not help me or my suport worker, but I will keep looking out for your vids. I know you are trying to help. Bless you.
Thank you for the suggestion. I've been working on making my videos easier to follow, but then I get hundreds of "just get on with it already" comments, so I'm trying to find a nice middle ground. What I would suggest for you is perhaps change the playback speed to 1/2 or so for videos that are detailed explainers, if you run into this same issue again. I truly appreciate your support and your comment! Thank you 👍
@@AskYourComputerGuy Thankyou. I will ask my support worker how to do that. Im wondering if it has subtitles that I could read. Bet its there and I can't find it. I know your busy so its very thoughtful that you replied. Best wishes an I'll keep watching. OH, I tried subscribing but it re-installs explorer outlook on my computor but thats for another day. Best wishes.
@Tonysia-y look for the "CC" box (usually right next to the channel icon, but it depends on what platform you watch it on. That's RUclips generated closed captioning, and it might help 👍
@@AskYourComputerGuy I learned something new as such you've earned a sub mate. I was having issues with my Aorus b450 wi-fi pro board booting. The wi-fi wasn't working right on first boot every time. I disabled the save state crap and you wouldn't believe it now it works right every boot. Just goes to show I am well over 50 and still learning. Keep up the good work.
Use Local Account. Confirmed. I learn the hard way. Don't way to look back again. I don't know why they want to use it from the first place. Good video. thanks.
Thanks very much for that, especially the enabling of the system restore feature. I had noticed on my computer when I tried to do a system restore recently and there was NO restore point on my windows 10! There is now. Thanks again
Quick tip about local accounts: When you’re setting up Windows 11 on the first boot, it doesn’t give you a choice to sign in with a local account. You may think you have to use a Microsoft account, but it’s easy to bypass. Just type ‘a’ in both the username and password fields. It will say it failed to sign in and let you use a local account.
Noted.png And Gods, I wish I knew that when I first got this machine 2 years ago. @_@
Thank you from me also. I’ll be setting up a new computer soon. That’s good information to keep in mind, note to self.
@tradde11 unless you have built-in wifi 🥲
@tradde11 no worries 👍
I believe there is an option to join domain instead and that's where you create a local account.
for the tip no. 3 do NOT just go and disable everything in the startup tab, especially if you don't know what you're doing. Some of the programs, especially on laptops are audio drivers, touchpad drivers and maybe other more important procesess. Turning them off may cause your system breaking and with that major confusion as to what is causing the issues. Read online what each individual procesess does and turn off accordingly.
Probably a good follow up tip! ;)
If you have the patience, which I don't : ), there's the oneatatime approach. Take the checkmark away from 1 box. See what breaks or not. If not, run like that for a day or so.
Then do another. Repeat process.
All of this is for patient responsible tweakers, though I've yet to meet any.
some of them on some laptops could permanently disable your copy of their operating system that you do not own
Not going to harm anything by disabling them. Nothing critical is ever there.
Not sure where you got your information, but it is wrong. Disabling every single item in startup will NOT cause an issue with Windows or your license in any way. Please cite your source so I can call them out
Thank you for highlighting my biggest pet peeve - hidden file extensions. You nailed it when you said it was also your biggest pet peeve. I really can't believe Microsoft still has this setting as a default as, like you said, could easily trick a user into clicking what they think is a document but is actually an executable program. I knew about LTT's hack, but I did not know the reason was because of hidden file extensions.
1000%. I have no idea in what world this makes sense...and I even have people comment that they leave their's disabled on purpose 🤷♂️
@@AskYourComputerGuy
What's more curious is that when they're not shown a file named open_me.jpg turns up and people think it is a jpg and so think it's ok to click on but don't stop to think why this file has an extension showing when all their other files don't have their extensions showing! It doesn't seem to occur to them that it's actually called open_me.jpg.exe and is a program.
Stupid question: seeing as the [last] dot is used to separate the file name from its type, and thus how Windwos should handle it, why, oh why, did Microsoft allow a dot in a filename, especially if they're going to hide the bit after the last dot which could lead to a filename that looks like a type it isn't? (Colons aren't allowed to provide for backward compatibility with device names.)
@@Al-ny8dr
Never change extensions you're not sure about.
That's the same as never run programs you're not sure about.
And that's the problem: the easily changed by user filename extension is used to tell the OS what to do with the contents of a file.
Basic users can easily change them so hide them so they don't accidentally change them.
But it also means that basic users are also easily tricked into running a malware program as it looks like something it isn't - they see picture.jpg and think it is a picture; it doesn't occur to them that the extension shouldn't be visible and that it could be a program in itself.
It is a trade off between stopping people accidentally breaking their computer and security against people "accidentally" installing malware. (I know which of the two is less undesired, and it's not the Microsoft default.)
To alleviate this Microsoft could have:
1) not allowed the extension separater character of a dot (.) in a filename more than once - the only time it would be permirted is to separate the extension (you can't use colons so this would be a simple thing to implement);
2) made the extension read only unless a config option was set (the hide known extensions check box would become allow editing extensions check box, and extensions would always be shown);
3) make the system system folder read only to non administrators so that they can't be changed by a [basic] user (encourage users to be non administrators and program installation would require privilege escalation);
4) implement an execute bit in NTFS which cannot be set by a file being downloaded - it would have to be set either by the user running a utility, or an install program the used has to initiate (for executable a msgbox would pop up warning of the dangers of running downloaded programs and asking if they really want to run the program).
None of these options (except possibly option 3) would make the experience less for a basic user (in option 4 a downloaded real JPG would be given to a picture viewer to show and, as itself is not run, would display as intended when clicked).
Mine Too! Grrrr
Microsoft also has (had) a contract with the NSA of over $600M.
With the startup, I have noticed that Win10 (and Win 11) have a much shorter list, as if most of these are hidden. Win7 had a very substantial list where you could go and surgically adjust the whole process.
I would always recommend keeping UAC turned on no matter how knowledgeable and experienced you might be. It isn't about checking what you are actively doing, it's about stopping things you don't know about happening in the background. It is extra security for one button press and could save a lot of heartache.
That's good advice. Especially for inexperienced users for sure. Thankfully it has never been a problem for me, but maybe I'm just lucky and pay attention to everything that is happening on my PC and have other safeguards in place 💪
@@AskYourComputerGuy How exactly do you "pay attention" to background processes which may start up without any visible evidence?
@kc5402 in task manager, go to startup and focus on items that don't need to be running every time the machine boots. I've got a video on the drawing board for "how to know which background processes are safe" 👍
I’m a it technician with way more years of experience than I’d like to admit.. using UAC is a must. Not only will it stop rogue executables but mistakes too. I highly recommend this keep ON whether experienced or not.
@thescottishcyclist4640 I'm going to address a correction in a follow-up video 💪
Back in DOS days you always saw file extensions, so I've always turned that on in Windows. Also, showing the full path in the title bar (now the tabs). This avoids having two windows open with apparently the same name but are actually in different locations.
Yeah I remember the title bar trick back in the day. That was more OCD for me than anything else 😂
All my systems, show hidden files, show file extensions, show size. So a friend gives me their computer because it's running like mud. 500gb drive 4gb Ram. Heat issue? NOPE! One file extension was .flo I still cant find out what created it but I suspected it was a fake created by a hacker. 100gb. The computer had been set to run TeamViewer on start. NOW WE'RE TALKING! His biggest complaint was scanning pictures and ripping DVD or CD took hours. Cut to the chase, all ripping parameters were set to Max. He had a scan of a 3x5 photo that was 12gb, most were. He had movie rips that were 75gb each. Running slow? Might be the fact there is 128mb of free space left! I took away his computer ownership rights until he learns how to use one 😈
LOL 😂😂😂
@@crazy4dariverDamn, 500GB drive and 4GB RAM in 2023 would be rough. 1TB drives, even basic SSDs are commodity priced these days and a 16GB RAM pair should be $40-60.
same
I do most of these but it's nice to be reminded of some, like the file extensions one.
I long ago gave up trying to figure out the reasoning behind some of the MS Windows settings. They always seemed configured to make the life of the user or support person more difficult. I see some things never change.
Agreed 100%
After 25 years, I still regularly think to myself... What is wrong with those boof head wankers.
You look Battery Procesor Passive/Active Microsoft delete this function...in Windows 11 .
@@VladIDrago MS giveth, MS taketh away. It is so written.
@@keithbrown7685 Heeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!
Purchased a new HP computer last month 5-24, with WINDOWS 11, at 77 years of age I am not computer savy I would like to thank you for your step by step videos on setting up a LOCAL ACCOUNT and how to make my new computer secure too. Your explanation between setting up a local account or a Microsoft Account was excellent. This is my computer not Microsoft’s computer 💻 I want to eliminate big corporations from spying and tracking me. Thank you once again for your informative videos that are educating thousands of people like myself. 😊
Try restting it and see how that goes.
No worries, you may not be not computer savy, but I bet he does not know how to change the points, plugs, condenser,and do the timing in a 65 Mustang.
If you want to be really safe, unplug the internet... That means go into settings and where it says TURN WIFI ON AUTOMATICALLY, uncheck that box. When you want to connect to the internet, go to settings and turn Wi-Fi ON... If you're using an ethernet adapter, just unplug it... If it isn't connected, the chances are very slim that someone's going to sneak into your computer... Notice that I didn't say impossible... Also be careful of the websites you visit, they can plant malware that will connect you to the internet without your permission...
@@thestoiclonerI did a Google search for the term "what is NSUWP network" and it provided some interesting answers. It seems that it is possibly a public network, as many people are having the same problem. I didn't read the articles in detail but you might check to see if your PC has remote access or remote connections turned on... This is never a good idea so if it is turned on please turn it off. You might consider running the same search and reading the articles to see if those people have anything in common with your problem. Hope you find a solution quickly! You might consider using one of the deep cleaning antivirus programs because this is possibly a RAT - Remote Access Trojan. Popular opinion suggest Malwarebytes Trojan remover and Bitdefender.
Great information! I just bought a new HP desktop and used several of your recommendations.
Very helpful for a new Windows 11 guy... Thank you
You're welcome!
I would add if a file is important BACK IT UP! Sooner or later something is going to go wrong.
Absolutely! 100% correct
Even MORE important, VERIFY that backup. Many have been bitten by the, but I made backups, and they were no good.
Insert captain America meme. No i don't think I will.
@@brodriguez11000 Yeah, backups tend to go great, so I have read on various forums where people would sing the praises of backing up to "the cloud". But, nowhere did I see an anecdote about a successful restore. They weren't to be found. It was all about backing up... that seemed to represent enough security for people. They never thought to test their backups, be they local or online. It was strange to behold.
Just make a system image, much better than a backup 👍
The last point about restore setup is the most important. Thank you.
Thanks!
Thank you! I appreciate that 👍
Great tips, even for computer experts. Its a good checklist to make sure you didn't forget something. Microsoft keeps moving the setting around so this helped me find settings that were not obvious. Why does Microsoft disable hibernation by default now? I set my laptop to hibernate when I close the lid. If I travel and don't open my laptop for a few days I don't want the battery to be completely dead when I try to use it because it drained in sleep mode instead of hibernating and turning off. So annoying. With SSDs, resuming from hibernate doesn't take long.
For all the system admins out there, I recommend setting the option to show file extensions in Group Policy so that they are automatically set to show on all your client computers.
Yes because click on calculator.pdf is something different like calculator.exe ;-)
I guess thats something every admin usually does first since XP ? ^^V
but yes that makes sense to do
Consider me subscribed! You've just saved my skin here; I've been using Windows since the 1990's, and I noticed some things in the 2000's that were established standards like system restore quietly exited out. I had to throw out entire systems in the past 10+ years, since Windows 7, and looks like I won't have to trash anymore PC's in a while thanks to your channel; keep it up!!
Thank you so much!!! 🎉
This is somewhat related. Sorry for all the words.
I threw out a perfectly good computer when I got one of those "lap crushers" that act as desktop replacements. To this day, it bothers me. There were 2 functioning hard drives. Both were securely wiped. At least I did that part right. But there was no need for me to chuck a comp and a crt monitor as well.
Everything was working. It was just getting on in years. But I had plenty of room in a closet to store the machine. But no, I was determined to be rid of it, and for what reason, I don't remember. And now, I just feel it was a terrible mistake. That was the thanks I gave it, for doing stuff for me for years. Guilt is a real hanger-on sometimes. :(
I know.. it's a metaphor. But I wanted to wonder what your skin had to do with OS settings. If the former needs repair or enhancement, you take it to a dermatologist. The latter, to someone like @AskYourComputerGuy (if you lack the knowledge to do it yourself, which knowledge you can obtain by watching videos such as this one). Still, though, I wouldn't try to access any settings menu or decryption password if I felt I were about to lose my skin, AKA my birthday suit.
Very useful info for most people. I think it would be useful to stress that you should not mess about with UAC at all! Although when set to default high priority, it causes you to have to jump through a lot of hoops to get things done, it is designed to protect you from hackers and it does a pretty good job of it. I am an experienced software engineer with many years of working on Windows and Linux, and I keep my UAC level just one below the top setting. But well done for this useful video.
Agreed
I too am a software engineer, but old skool lol, I used to work on the old 6502 CPU's, programming in assembly, then later delved into Linux (Redhat), then started messing around with Windows 1.0, and built up from there, and I too agree, that the UAC should NOT be messed with, I too have mine set to next notch down from the top, so that if a popup appears asking if blah, blah blah wants to run, and I don't recognize it, then I click on 'No', but if the UAC is set (as the guy says in the video) to the lowest setting, then ANY program will be allowed to run without asking, and that can mean malware, spyware and even viruses.
For the record, that's where I said I leave mine. But I also say it should be based on one's own needs and comfort level. I didn't suggest everyone disable theirs. For some people, high UAC is a,must. Just not me.
Nah, that fucking thing is getting switched off.
Totally up to you@@bassdeff8819 You can always have the joy of re-installing Windows when your unprotected computer gets screwed by a virus. And of course you'll have all your backed up data to restore (no doubt you do backups) as well as all your little games and stuff. Good luck mate.
That was so helpful. I didn't know protection was disabled and the hidden files and all that. I also, FINALLY, found how to get the thumbnails for my pics. It never used to be so difficult! Thanks so much.
Wow, what a great video. I have just returned to the Windows ecosystem after years of being solely on MacOS. I feel so much better using windows now knowing that content like this is on YT to learn from and help make the experience a pleasant one. Thanks for your content.
I always change the setting for file extensions, I never understood the reason Microsoft disabled file extensions, it made no sense to me and made it harder to do remote desktop support over the phone.
I agree!
The problem is that every major or cumulative (or partial cumulative) update disables showing files extensions. Simply abhorrent behaviour.
I'm with Microsoft here... when the file extension is shown, and you decide to rename that file, potentially you may wipe out the file extension, making very difficult to identify the file type, and what to open with.
@@resuelgooga5565, weak argument. First, if the user doesn't have the minimal ideia they are doing, don't touch a computer. Second, when the file is subject to a rename, Windows 8 to 10 do not select the extension, only what's before the last period (can't remember if Win7 does the same). Third, even if they mistakenly erase the extension while typing or selecting text, they can press Esc to cancel the operation and get the current name back. Fourth, if the user wants the extensions to be shown, he/she made a conscious choice. No justification to disable the setting when the user knowingly enabled it! It is abusive behaviour by M$.
Untrue. Simply Untrue. Even if you left the file with no extension, you can easily rename it back to its original and it will open fine. If you're with Microsoft, that comment explains a lot.
For #4 O&O Shutup is a great way to get more granular + extra privacy controls on your device
O&O is on the drawing board for a future video 💪
While its good, ensure you have a backup. I flipped too many switches, and lost my camera in Teams. No matter how many flips I switched back, or switches I de-flipped, it just never worked again.
Heard. I will do a thorough check of that before filming ;)
i used it for like 3-4 years. its not good some settings there will slow your computer down noticeably spy anti-beacon or W10 privacy are better.
@@chrisjlocke Re-flip all switches for camera and make sure camera in enabled in the quick settings menu. After this check hardware manager to make sure you driver is okay for the webcam. Never had issues with it.
Clear, concise, to the point. 👌🏼👍🏻
Thanks, I try!
Great channel! The algorithm recommended you for no reason, but I have subscribed!
I appreciate the support 💪
Thanks. Not only did you explain the issue, and the rational, but you explained how to fix these issues. I use probably 4 of them. Much appreciated!
Thank you! That's what my channel is all about! 💪👍
In addition to creating system restore points, periodically creating full system images with an appropriate 3rd party tool (I'll refrain from advertising any, but free ones can do the job just fine) can also be a good idea, in case of a hard drive / SSD failure. It's an advanced approach to backing your computer up, but also a great payoff if the main storage unit decides to kick the bucket. Make sure to store created images on an external drive. 🙂
Absolutely agreed!
@@AskYourComputerGuy Nowadays with fast SSDs etc. I often find as long as you have the user data backed up in a lot of cases it's just better to install Windows from fresh, slap Office back, run through Ninite and then the user data. I've had many "user images backups" handed to me but in a lot of cases they are old or just plain don't work or have to go through umpteen hoops to get back on. Of course every now and then you get the odd user with 78 different specialist softwares installed that for some reason they "don't know where the license key is" for some reason but I state on my website, if you aint got the license then that aint my problem!
Agreed, sometimes it's easier. Only exception is when there is a proprietary program installed that they don't have the installation or key for anymore. That's when it gets a bit tricky
If I doing this FBI no put me in jail? ];-D... . Microsoft with HP and Brother put software Blotware to made high your procesor warm (HP use program software Wolf Security, total shit software who invigilation)... . Corporations just lile Apple destroy you hardware because want to buy new...(Apple made this marketing devil move when slowly OS to older Iphones...).
A NAS of some kind is a good investment.
Nice video
@2:50 I would suggest that a password manager to store all your bookmarks and passwords & will work regardless of the browser you want to use.
@3:50 UAC is necessary if you want to use the Microsoft Store so do not disable it, just turn it to the lowest setting.
and lastly make sure you do a *DISM /online /Cleanup-image /RestoreHealth* from a elevated command prompt so that your *sfc /scannow* command works properly
Good points, thank you
I have UAC set to never notify or do anything, and the Win store works fine for me. Has for years on Win10. Maybe 11 is different.
Video needs to make it clearer on every section that it applies for Win11, as a lot of these options work on 10 as well just are labeled slightly differently. There's nothing in the title showing it and if people skip to a section they want to change, it doesn't immediately show that Win11 screen.
I appreciate that. When the settings were different for W10, I included that in the "how to do this" portion for each section. But thank you for your feedback and I will keep this in mind for future videos ;)
Like any app /program no matter their use they have and ALWAYS will store/ share /sell you data’
No “password” program is safe or smart imo’
If u store your passwords it’s a matter of time before any program leaks or is hacked’
Maybe I’m paranoid but in todays digital world everything is collecting your data’
For passwords I’ll use the old pen and paper method any day over storing them in any data base!
Can't beat pen and paper, no doubt. There ARE good programs out there that ARE safer than the "standard" methods...more to come VERY soon!
What is very important and what nobody talks about is that you should _NEVER_ store your data files on the same drive as Windows itself!
If you've only one disk, the disk should be partitioned into two disk, i.e. C and D. If Windows is on disk C (most computers), data should be stored at disk D.
If Windows has to be reinstalled from scratch, no data is lost even if disk C is reformatted.
This should be the default option when Windows is installed on the computer!
100% agreed! That's why I made this video 👍
How to guarantee ZERO data loss if Windows crashes
ruclips.net/video/DCQh7thkYvI/видео.html
This is the best to do first thing! Another thing is NOT save docs, photos on W default locations, as they are on the C drive!
@octavianr526 that's why I made this 👍
How to guarantee ZERO data loss if Windows crashes
ruclips.net/video/DCQh7thkYvI/видео.html
I learned the hard way!
@Ness2Alyza 🥲
I love how Microsoft seems to go out of their way to hide settings that used to be neatly organized into easy to find locations once upon a time. Thankfully, I seem to have performed all of these actions except for the local login. Fixed now.
👍💪😁
Haha yea, they seem to love to hide things and make it all counterintuitive, don't they.
How many fell for allowing them to collect 'Inking' or 'Writing' as they later renamed it.
Saying do you agree to having a Keylogger would not go down well.
Yeah. I am also baffled why System restore is disabled right out of the box. Sometimes it gets disabled in some point by itself automatically. I believe this has to do with Ms has a problem with Windows keeping settings and probably malware along inside the restore point, that they cannot remove those unless it is disabled. This was a point of attack since Windows 7 days.
Yep
I've never used system restore in my life except one time for testing and it made windows laggy af. I also would've reinstalled windows several times while it was restoring...
Always turn that useless feature off and backup your data yourself.
@@gdgd5194 I see I'm not alone 🙂I find this idea (system restore) disgusting, people don't realize this feature needs free disk space to be completed, it resizes Your partition(s) averytime it makes another restore point (and steals disk space in the process)....
@@alf8718 I think every pc user with decent experience does same. Turning off at least partially the damn windows defender is also a priority :D I once lost a rare dll thanks to that bs. It just randomly decides to delete file permanently if it finds it "suspicious"
This is a wonderful video and a downright must know for the PC community. Thank you!!!!
Aww thank you so much! ❤️
@@AskYourComputerGuy Quick important note: Making a local profile from my Microsoft account STILL ALLOWED me to use my PIN from that account on the local one... that I did not expect. Should I worry about this?
@j.a.velarde5901 not if you chose PIN as your signin method. I think you're ok 👍
@@AskYourComputerGuy Thanks again, and I'm subbed. Best wishes.
@j.a.velarde5901 thank you so much! I appreciate the support 💪
Consider doing #1 - creating a restore point - FIRST, before making all these changes, particularly if you are going to disable startup items and you're not sure what you are doing.
I always did that when I was more of a novice. I still do that from time to time but now I backup by imaging. Good point!
Note: I'd recommend users to check Startup Apps in Windows 10/11 because even if you disable it in the Task Manager Startup tab it can still show in Startup Apps.
That is an excellent point. Thank you ;)
Yep...i have a never ending battle going with some of them...don't use em, Don't Want em so i keep disabling cos of course they can't be removed without paralyzing something vital...& every darn sneaky 'upgrade' they re-enable...sometimes they wake up just with a new boot up..put a link to startup on my taskbar & i keep task manager open just Minimized cos..of those. Have to cos when i'm on a big job some of them, if they run all at the same time, can freeze everything up causing a cold boot & a mountain of lost work.
@@NuLiForm I've found that the free Autorun Organizer (ChemTable software) does a great job of showing me exactly what loads at startup, from where, and how much impact it has on the startup. Certain things have high impact but are important to me so I don't disable them. If there's something I don't want, I disable it and Autorun Organizer keeps it disabled, as well as notifying me of new items that are added (at the time of addition, if I leave the background process enabled, or the next time I run the program, if I don't (my preference)). Boot time can be measured and compared when certain things are enabled at boot and others aren't, and it suggests a delay before loading certain programs that aren't usually needed ASAP. If you want, it scans all items with virustotal automatically whenever you run the AO, and its large user base allows it to tell you, if you want, how many other users of that program disable it and how many delay it. (You don't have to allow any of your own info to be sent) If you're a NuLiForm as in a "new lifeform" without advanced cognitive function, you might need someone to explain anything I wrote that you don't understand. I suspect you'll have no problem whatsoever, though. 👍😂
It's amazing how long it had been since I used restore points. To my surprise, I had none on this two-year old system laptop. That's something I used to do back in the desktop PC days. Thanks for reminding me about it.
Thanks for sharing
Thanks!
Thank you so much! I appreciate you so much :)
Good list. Especially #1. Why that is not setup by default is a mystery. Would love to hear the conversation in the board room that resulted in that decision.
Already use a local account - on a side note, using a Microsoft login was excellent when I was in college, heavily making use of the office suite, Microsoft logins were quite nice - they absolutely have a use.
Already have windows set up to let me do the rebooting.
Already have my webbrowser synced.
Already have fast startup disabled.
Don't turn off uac. If you don't know why you should never turn it off, then you definitely shouldn't turn it off.
All of these privacy settings were available when setting up your profile on firstboot.
My startup is pretty clean.
I already have file extensions displayed. I also show hidden files and folders.
Setting up system restore should be the first thing you do after configuring your computer, that way you have an ideal point to return to. Unless you like resetting your operating system and starting anew. That's what I do.
The local account, privacy settings, and system restore were all super helpful. Thank you.
Glad it helped you out!
On Windows 11, I'm not having much luck finding a way to have a Local account. Is this not an option in 11?
@bobnolin9155 it is. Look under "family and other users". This might help:
support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/add-or-remove-accounts-on-your-pc-104dc19f-6430-4b49-6a2b-e4dbd1dcdf32#:~:text=Add%20people%20to%20a%20home%20PC,-The%20best%20way&text=10%20Professional%20editions%3A-,Select%20Start%20%3E%20Settings%20%3E%20Accounts%20%3E%20Family%20%26%20other%20users.,information%20and%20follow%20the%20prompts.
As an old Windows 95/98/2000/xp/vista/7/8/10/11 tweaker these are good starting tips for anyone not in the know. A lot of my old tweak settings died long ago with the older Windows versions but these are solid for a beginner!
Those are my people! Thx for stopping in! 💪
@@AskYourComputerGuy You got a new subscriber thanks brother!
Thank YOU! 👍
I have used more OSes than you have. I used v1, 1.x, 2, 2.x, 3, 3.1, 3.11, "Chicago" beta from 1994, 95, 95SR2, 98, 98SE, W2K, WinXP, "Longhorn" beta, Vista, Vista64, 7, 10, 11 -------- ++++ various versions of DOS and Nix.
But I was too afraid to try WinME.
Yeah my oldest recollection was DOS 6.22 (I think!). WinME was an absolute disaster
Scott, a wonderful video packed with truly important information to keep one safe and sound using their PC's!!!!!
Thank you! Much appreciated! 👍
I can’t thank you enough for this video. Insightful and informative. Everyone should know and do these. Thank you, again!
Glad it was helpful!
Cheers for the video, really useful. But one thing I do with all my machines goes one step further than the Windows restore point backup
Take clone images of your system drive using ghosting software, so the entire process is outside of Windows running at all
Agreed, but these steps are for novice users. That's my audience. Cloning, using a different OS, all of that is intermediate level stuff. But you're not wrong ;)
@@AskYourComputerGuy Power users are probably running windows on a VM, and snap-shotting that way. Good also if an update goes south.
@@brodriguez11000 No no, Why would You run the system you use on a virtual machine? This way You deplete Your system resources (RAM, CPU& GPU power...) and everything running in windows (or any other OS for that matter) under VM runs slower. VMs are good for testing purposes and probably for some exotic OSs that can't use the PC hardware properly (android, Playstation, apple....)
For the system(s) You're planning to use, sure, chech them in VM first but when You decide to actually use them create a multi-boot system instead and use all Your Hardware resources.
Totally agree with all of these. I often use a restore point in case the 'forced' updates ruin the system and always log in with a local account..although Microsoft seem determined to prevent you doing this. And the unnecessary hidden files and extension setting..why do they do that?
If I knew that, I'd probably be a billionaire by now 😂
@@AskYourComputerGuy your rich enough🤣🤣
LOL 😂
Windows system restore is shit, I use Macrium free.
There is a Macrium video on the drawing board ;)
Nice list! 👍 I would add #0: Change your account type to regular user. Create a separate local administrator account. Use its credentials only when you get a popup window for elevated rights request.
DEFINITELY!!! 💯
Absolutely. It is the difference between getting a popup saying "would you like X to do Y" that is one click away from disaster and a popup the will not let you proceed until you enter an admin password. The latter requires that you pause to consider what your are really doing.
Agreed. Will be addressing/correcting this in an upcoming video 👍
I can't believe changing back to local account was so easy! I made the mistake of tying my account to windows because of the "reuse on other devices" promise from a while back, and have regretted since. When I went to look up how to turn my account back to local the tutorials implied a lot of messy steps to change it. You're a hero! I'm so glad it was easy after all.
Awesome!
Thanks for sharing these details. Greatly appreciated
You are so welcome! 👍
I've pretty much always done number 2. I Hate not being able to see what type of files I'm looking at,even if they do have icons for whatever program opens them.
Exactly! And it's soooo much safer...just ask Linus! 💪
And I'd want to know where they are in the tree hierarchy. So file x is in My Documents. What is the path of that folder exactly, is what I want to know.
Sometimes I feel like I'm in a matrix and the true placement of files is being hidden from me for my own good and happiness, as defined by MS.
Agreed
The "switch to a local account" is a big deal for me, as now I no longer have to enter a password. It's my personal home computer and I don't want a password, yet Windows 11 forces you to have one (or a PIN).
Turning off UAC even for advanced users is terrible advice. With how easy it is to infect any computer today having at least a small item to help remind you is a good thing. I suppose you'd buy a high end sports car that is proven by race drivers that the onboard traction control gives them faster lap times than on their own, that you'd turn it off and keep it off. Not saying you're going to get infected of have issues but it's a very small item reminder, perhaps save you in those times you're up late nodding off and click something you didn't mean to.
That's why I said it needs to be at the user's comfort level. I've had UAC off as long as I can remember...but I'm also not going to open anything I don't 100% trust, plus I have multiple layers of AV and malware security on top of that. But Grandma out in Phoenix who doesn't know a virus from a turnip needs hers to be 100%. Just depends on your level of comfort when it comes to security and your own user behavior
@@AskYourComputerGuy Agreed on some level. But to be fair aside from a drive by like myself the majority of "your" user base seems to be newer users and thus not well served by turning it off or changing it's settings. Those that have been using computers for a while and don't so much need technicians like us aren't taking our advice one way or the other. Just my two cents and sorry to be negative on your channel. I should have posted in a bit more positive manner.
True that! Administrator rights plus UAC down means: you will not even get a note that something wrong is going on. This combo means: "I don't care. Everything can run with admin rights on this machine and I don't even need to be notified about it."
Thanks for these Cool Tips and Tricks!!! 👍😁
You're welcome! Glad you found them useful 👍
Defiantly a good video and must watch for the non technical user. An the using Microsoft account login just compromises all your Microsoft account, a malicious person gets your password all your Microsoft products are compromised. I personally do not show my file extensions because I copy and rename files and if you forget to put the file extension you can mess things up but I do this fast so that's why I do not have them showing. great video look forward to seeing more as systems change.
👍
Excellent, well done !
Thank you very much! Glad you enjoyed it!
Thanks to you my whole windows profile was reset while trying to convert it to a local account. Great stuff
That's not what happens when switching to a local account when Windows is working properly
That should not happen, I just did it like in video and it's ok.
I didn't follow that. Can you repeat it?
This was very easy and useful Thanks for your help
There is so much flimflam and BS on these kind of blogs.
Yours is the best I have come across.
Thank you, I appreciate that!
Really nice segment. Well done and thanks for posting.
Thank you, I appreciate the support 👍
One a lot of people don't mention is to setup a true local Admin account and then setup your local account as a standard User account. That way your day to day usage is protected a little more but also it can pay off on occasion to have more then one account on a machine if the main account gets corrupted. You can at least get back on your machine one way or another and fix the busted account.
Funny, I always do that for my local clients out of habit, but failed to mention it in the video. Probably "out of habit". Thx for your comment, you're absolutely right.
Ok now I'm really confused. I am signed on as the Administrator. Other than the restricted access, what's the point of a local account? Am I connected to Microsoft? Really, I don't see the problem in performance.
@bobnolin9155 I am releasing a video soon that will make you RUN from using a Microsoft account. There is no difference as long as everything is working...but when it stops working (as shown in the video), you'll be thankful you switched. Customer lost everything (and I mean EVERYTHING) because they used a Microsoft account. You'll see, trust me you'll want to watch it 👍💪
@@AskYourComputerGuyCool. Actually I found that if I click on the Windows icon and then click on my account icon, it takes me to the screen where you can switch to a local account. It worked! Thanks! Also, the Set Restore point was a huge tip.
@bobnolin9155 awesome! Thx for sharing :)
great list and I think there is one I would add and that is in the advanced setting for the system. Change the virtual memory from automatic to a specific setting using the recommended minimum as the minimum and then I usually double the memory for the maximum. This will keep your hard drive lasting much longer and from being slowed down by the system sitting at 100% on the HD slowing the system to a crawl.
Great tip!
This is Michael. I've done this for decades , however this is more applicable if you have a HARD drive, and not an SSD or nvme. 2, which systems also usually have a lot more memory and get an automatic larger allocation
I've always thought this bit of functionality is not keeping up to date with modern specs. I also suspect a lot of apps like MS Office manage it themselves anyway
Yes!...i did this for the first machine i ever built, an Acer running Win 3.1, diode by diode, solder & circuit, chip by slot..by the time i had it's potential upgrades completely maxed out it was already 10 yrs old...& after increasing the VM value, i got another 10 out of it before it developed dementia. Sentimental Treasure, i just run cool screensavers on it now..& once it's heart of gold beats it's last..i will still find a decorative use for it & display it on the shelf.
I was gonna complain if "turn on file extensions" wasn't on the list! Well good job it was. It's crazy to me that such an unhelpful-and indeed dangerous-feature is enabled by default, and after all this time (think it's been like that since XP or something). That'd be #1 if I were making this list, but Windows Restore is great too. One the the few undeniably helpful things Windows can do for you (great failsafe when something goes wrong) and they turn that off??
Anyway, very good list of tips.
Thank you :)
@manauser362 No, silly, they don't turn off the visibility of file extensions. The ability to see known file extensions is disabled by default and you can easily toggle their visibility.
I appreciated the system restore point section. Great job!
Thank you!
Thanks for the tips! I already had several of them done in the past but you did show me a couple more I didn't know about. 😃
👍
To me a Microsoft account has brought many benefits over local accounts, and it has not "forced" anything on me that I couldn't easily get rid of. A local account is also super easy to crack in comparison to a MS account login (of Win 11 I'm not sure although I've been running the Insider builds since their early days just like I did with 10 but in everything before 11, it could be easily done in a couple of minutes with a boot disk). MS account also makes setting sync possible, which eliminates the need to set that file extension etc. settings again on every system. And for those who use MS services it can simplify logging in and I also appreciate the fact that Office business accounts also work as Windows logins (as someone who manages one small business). These also offer things like remote wiping and BitLocker key backups which can be very beneficial. MS account is also required for Windows Hello features like multiple login options including different hardware options (maybe these work without an account these days, I have not tested for a while, but they didn't in the past). Windows Hello can be used by other things too than just MS things. Like different password vaults, including multiple browsers. Microsoft Store also requires an account for some things. Window's parental control features are very good and offer very broad control over different accounts and even remote control over certain aspects of kids computers, and Xbox consoles, yet there are many users who are completely oblivious to these while they complain that their kids do this and that. Quite simple to setup and afterwards easy to manage via your MS account with each family member having their own accounts. But ok, let's just tell everyone that the account is wortless and then they complain when systems that require them don't work.
Browser syncing is a fine feature although I prefer separate vaults for my ID's. Not for any security reason (although they can offer far more control over those aspects too) but also because of their flexibility (they are not tied to a single browser. Btw, for Edge sync, a MS account is required and setting one up with Windows automates the process.
Not all but many of the privacy settings are set during the OOBE phase (when a new system is set up) but because people are in a constant hurry and often lack the capacity to stop and concentrate on pretty much anything these days, they don't bother to really read the information and just ram them next and skip buttons.
Disabling UAC notifications at least used to be a problem and would prevent some features from working (Microsoft Store was one of them if I remeber correctly) although that might have changed also. I don't mind the default setting and clicking OK is not that difficult, even for soneone who installs and uninstalls stuff constantly. But obviously a benefit if it doesn't cause problems anymore.
All in all, ok tips though some of them are very subjective and require more explanation as to why they should be done. Like MS accounts for example which can offer many benefits for many users, yet here it is basically said that they are useless.
To each his own! It's great that we all have our own opinions, and we will all reap the benefits we desire if we set things how we want them.
"Show hidden files and folders" is easier said than done.
Did you find the setting?
@AskYourComputerGuy Well its right there, but I fear it's a one way street to the part of me, that I hide from myself.
I'm sorry, why are you telling us not to use microsoft accounts but then proceed to use one of the worst AV solutions and bloatware out there? Avast is HORRIBLE
It's better than Mcafee, Norton or built in Microsoft junk.
@@Jaybird-be1ttdoesn’t find malware. I’ve got it on my laptop and it’s full of malware. Waste your money but don’t fool yourself into thinking it’s doing anything other than hogging up your system resources.
I've switched away from Avast. Got a video coming out soon about why. Mainly privacy. It's better than Norton or McAfee for sure, but at what cost?
There are two different Avast programs... The Avast AVG is sad... The AVAST with the odd orange logo is the better choice. Webroot has been a good choice since 2010... It doesn't suck up your resources and allows you to turn off program access if necessary. The weblogs are fairly decent, too.
Thank you for these good guides that I have been looking for for a long time. Just as you indicate where changes are to be made that is understandable for an ordinary user!!!
I am now subscribing to your channel.
I appreciate that!!!
as novice,,,,,, I followed per direction. Now i had to figure out the differences between system..but it was spot on! thanks you so much.
Glad it helped! 💪
I go one step further - on every PC I own, I format my hard drive, and install Ubuntu. Ditch the witch, and life will be wonderful.
I love Ubuntu, you can put it on a flash drive boot it up, and use it from there without installing it to test-run it.
yeah sadly, Linux sucks for me. not good, can't play like 80% of the games I play on Linux, so I just don't use it
Nah linux is trash
Well spoken and organized, this and others of yours.
Thank you so much for the support 👍
The file extension is actually something I didnt realize until you pointed out it. Thank you very much!
My pleasure 👍
Yippee . . It worked I can slowly read it all at my own pace. Thankyou so much.
So glad to hear it! Thanks for the support 👍
One thing to note... if you're using WoL, and I know this is pretty remote for most people, disabling fast startup on SOME machines will prevent WoL from working. If you feel like you've done everything thing you can and you still can't get WoL to work, try re-enabling fast startup.
It might help other people if you told them what "WoL" is. Otherwise your post is pretty pointless.
@@kc5402 Wake on LAN.
Don't worry. I, too, didn't know what it stood for, but I looked it up. It wasn't hard. You meant "wake-on-LAN". Google up'd my iq by a few percentiles. 🙂
@@kc5402 If you use it, you probably know. It's Wake On LAN, which wakes the sleeping computer when it receives a special signal from elsewhere on the network. At times like those, it's good to have everything from RAM stored on the disk (i.e. in hibernation) for a speedy wakeup into a predefined state (the state it was in when it went to sleep).
Great video I just restored… following instructions .., after all devices hacked hope this works ! Will keep you posted 😊
Great tips, Scott. I especially appreciated the #1 Tip - Enable/Create Restore Point. Some of the other points I had covered, but it is good to do a thorough review. I've also switch to a local user account. Thanks again.
Good deal, glad you found it useful!
Recently had to clean boot my PC and this video helped me avoid some pitfalls. Thanks!
Glad it helped!
Super concise and helpful, this cut down the massive CPU load on startup problem I was having with my new laptop. Thanks!
Fantastic! That's what I love hearing ❤️💪
@@AskYourComputerGuy It's a bit sad that so many people don't realize what's happening when their computer boots. People like you, who make videos to explain those things, are forces for good in the world!
congrats,u have strong knowledge!keep it up
Thank you, I appreciate that 👍
A real security wake-up call. Very timely and helpful. A few of the tips had already been put in place by the guy who upgraded my motherboard, CPU, hard drive, and RAM 4 years ago but not all. The most important one for me is actually the one at number 10 - always logging in with a local account.
👍💪
Thank you. I have restore points and know about them, but I certainly appreciate the reminder, because it is so easy to go along every day and not think about it. All good wishes.
Agreed! Same to you :)
Fantastic Video, thank you for making these things so clear and easy to follow, Much kudos to you! :)
Glad it was helpful!
This is invaluable for old people, and the world is ageing rapidly. That said, I would suggest you ask someone 85 or so if they can keep up with your delivery pace. and arrow movements. I am not that old , but I am disabled and lots of rewinds still did not help me or my suport worker, but I will keep looking out for your vids. I know you are trying to help. Bless you.
Thank you for the suggestion. I've been working on making my videos easier to follow, but then I get hundreds of "just get on with it already" comments, so I'm trying to find a nice middle ground. What I would suggest for you is perhaps change the playback speed to 1/2 or so for videos that are detailed explainers, if you run into this same issue again. I truly appreciate your support and your comment! Thank you 👍
@@AskYourComputerGuy Thankyou. I will ask my support worker how to do that. Im wondering if it has subtitles that I could read. Bet its there and I can't find it. I know your busy so its very thoughtful that you replied. Best wishes an I'll keep watching. OH, I tried subscribing but it re-installs explorer outlook on my computor but thats for another day. Best wishes.
@Tonysia-y look for the "CC" box (usually right next to the channel icon, but it depends on what platform you watch it on. That's RUclips generated closed captioning, and it might help 👍
@@AskYourComputerGuy OH, well thankyou. Ill give that a go. Cheers mate.
I'd already changed most of these settings, but I didn't know about System Restore getting disabled. So thanks for the heads up.
Restore Point was what I've been looking for, thanks.
My pleasure 👍
This video deserves a big fat thumbs up! Thank you!
Little late, but thank you!!!
I've been doing this since the introduction of windows vista. I am glad you are informing people on how to do this.
Thank you :)
@@AskYourComputerGuy I learned something new as such you've earned a sub mate. I was having issues with my Aorus b450 wi-fi pro board booting. The wi-fi wasn't working right on first boot every time. I disabled the save state crap and you wouldn't believe it now it works right every boot. Just goes to show I am well over 50 and still learning. Keep up the good work.
@retropcscotland4645 awesome, thank you! 👍
Why don't you have a million subs at least already?? Great work!
Thanks, hopefully in time 👍
Liked and subscribed. I can't believe I never knew about using a local account. I feel pretty stupid, but now I know. You the man.
Glad you enjoyed it 👍
Followed your advise and created a local account as my daily driver. This makes perfect sense and not sure why I never thought about that.
👍💪
What is a daily driver? A driver used daily. Okay.
Best video of its kind I've ever seen on RUclips I'm going to do every one of these things thank you !
Wow, what a compliment! Thanks, glad you enjoyed it 👍
Thanks for the ideas, used 3 of your tipps right away!
Use Local Account. Confirmed. I learn the hard way. Don't way to look back again. I don't know why they want to use it from the first place. Good video. thanks.
Lots of good things in this video, thank you.
Thank you, glad you enjoyed it :)
Thanks for your help with all of these tips!
Glad you like them!
Some of these were new to me. Big thanks!
Big welcome 😂❤️👍
Excellent video. VERY helpful. Thanks a lot!
Glad it was helpful!
I ended up making a few changes as I was watching this video, so thanks so much!
Glad it helped!
I wish you were my personal tech guy! Very informative Thank you so much!
Wow, thanks!
System Restore is important. I use some of your videos in my Beginning Computer Skills classroom. Thanks ;-)
Glad you like them!
Thanks very much for that, especially the enabling of the system restore feature. I had noticed on my computer when I tried to do a system restore recently and there was NO restore point on my windows 10! There is now. Thanks again
Awesome!
Great advice. Thanks for taking the time to make the video and share.
Thank you! I appreciate that :)
Happy to know that I already had 80% of the settings done by myself. Thanks for your video!!
Glad it helped!